Classic Poem

To you, my shipmates and my brothers, who
Have sailed with me the dark blue ocean's flood,
Round the great world, Ulysses-like, careering,
Or in the enchanted East, or West robust,
Skirting the poles, or that voluptuous coast
Where dark-eyed senoritas ever smile
Beside Pacific's wave, to you, brave men,
Knightly defenders of our country's flag,
I dedicate (perchance for idler hours,
Since poesy doth oft beguile the soul)
These songs — this log-book of a long-past cruise.